Are Daycare Expenses Included in Morris County Child Support Payments?

If you are going through a divorce in New Jersey, it’s essential to understand what you can expect for each issue. However, if you have children, this process can become even more complex, as you now have to factor child custody and support into the proceedings. One thing many are unaware of is whether or not childcare and daycare expenses are included in child support payments. Luckily, the following blog explores what you should know about these matters. You’ll also discover how New Jersey child support attorneys can help ensure you receive the funds you need for these matters.

How Is Child Support Calculated?

When you and your spouse are going through a divorce, understanding how childcare costs are calculated is crucial to helping you prepare financially for the dissolution of your marriage. Generally, couples are given the opportunity to work out a child support amount among themselves. If they cannot, they must proceed to court where the judge assigned to the case will determine how much payments should be. The courts will consider the following factors:

• Each spouse’s income
• The custody arrangement
• How many children the couple has
• The basic needs of the child (housing, food, clothing)
• Any extracurricular activities they are involved in
• Transportation costs

It’s important to note that child support is not supposed to act as a form of income for the recipient parent. It is simply the responsibility of both parents to financially support their children, and child support payments are a way of ensuring costs are split equitably.

Does Child Support Include Daycare?

If your child is enrolled in a daycare or you have a nanny for your child, understanding whether or not these costs are split between parents is critical. In New Jersey, childcare costs are included in child support payments. If you need to invest in care so you can work, this would be considered a work-related cost, and therefore, your spouse would have to help pay for the expenses. However, if you hire a babysitter to go out with friends, your ex-spouse would not be responsible for paying them for non-work-related coverage.

What If My Spouse and I Can’t Agree on Daycare Expenses?

In some instances, you and your spouse may not be able to agree on how much your childcare costs should be. For example, your spouse may disagree with your choice to hire a nanny, or they may want to enroll your child in a cheaper daycare. If this is the case, the court may order mediation to help the parents agree on this matter.

You have enough to worry about when divorcing. That’s why the dedicated team at Haber Silver Russoniello & Dunn is ready to assist you through these challenging matters. Our team can handle the legal complexities of your divorce, so you can focus your attention on your children and healing from this emotional time. Reach out today to learn how we can assist you.